Conversations With Congolese Poet JJ Bola: “The Common Theme Is Humanity”
Let’s talk art. For some it is a form of expression, for others it is a way to release their feelings. Art comes in different forms such as music, dance, fashion, paintings, photography and poetry. Personally, my favorite artistic expressions are in music and dance. Being Congolese these are a part of life, which we as a people are well known for. I can’t keep track of how many times I have been asked if I can dance “ndombolo”, a popular Congolese dance. However, for the 27 year old Congolese whose thoughts we are sharing today, his version of art comes in the form of poetry. In this article, my readers will learn about JJ Bola the poet.
JJ Bola is what he likes to be called and only gets called by his real name when he gets into trouble. JJ Bola was born in Kinshasa and his family immigrated to London as refugees in the 90s. He is a university graduate of Psychology and post graduate of Criminology. So what’s next for this well-educated young man? Here is what JJ Bola had to say:
Name: JJ Bola
Origin: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Profession: Educator/Writer/Poet
1) What is your story?
These kinds of questions are always the hardest for me to answer because I answer so awkwardly.
I was born in Kinshasa and came to London with my immediate family as refugees. I started playing basketball; I was a shooting guard/small forward. My coach Joe White, who has passed on, was my role model. He helped develop my character and also helped me develop my communication skills. Before I was writing poetry, basketball was my first love.
2) At what age did you start writing?
About 3 or 4 years ago, I was going through a tough time, so I started writing down what I was feeling. I was not calling it poetry at first. It was not a conscious thing that I was going to start writing poetry. Especially because I am a man and I was around hyper-masculine men so I was not going to call it poetry. Then my friend, Deng convinced me, to start attending open-mic nights and it just took off from there.
3) 3 words to describe yourself.
Calm. Pensive. Philosophical.
4) Favorite poet(s):
Langston Hughes: We too, and my other second favorite is David J Pugilist, a UK spoken word poet.
5) What inspires your work?
I read factual political books. I read authors that paint an image that challenges my theoretical perceptions. Most of my poems are politically driven and certainly will have political undertones. I believe that politics and art go hand in hand. They have a symbiotic relationship.
6) Is there a common theme to your works?
My common theme is humanity. Something that tells a story and it can touch the human being in us.
7) How are you able to connect with other different cultures through your poetry?
I traveled a bit and I was exposed to other people that were different from me. Art is universal; it strikes an emotion or feeling – the human feeling regardless of where we are from. Fundamentally, we all as humans seek that feeling. I am able to portray that in my work.
8) What is your involvement in your community and Congolese affairs?
I am involved with several non-profits in London. I am involved with this Afro-Caribbean group that goes into schools and provides mentoring, also connecting the kids with positive black male role models. With Congolese affairs, I also am involved with many organizations in which we raise awareness through movie screenings, activisms, different events, protests and poetry.
9) What is your favorite thing about being Congolese?
The music, the food, the people and the family. Congolese are very family-orientated people. When I return home to see my extended family, it is like I never left.
10) Advice to our readers and young people…
Travel and read as much as you can. Also don’t be afraid to be who you are. Don’t apologize, own your existence. Keep evolving; go from the person you are to the person you are meant to be.
Read | SHE IS A POEM by JJ Bola
For more of JJ Bola and his work, follow him on Twitter: @JJ_Bola or visit his website jjbola.com
Samandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle
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